Automobile door and window



NOV. 27, 1951 E, C, WAHLBERG 2,576,816

AUTOMOBILE DOOR AND WINDOW Filed June 22, 1946 s sheets-sheet 1 I M32 W38 IN V EN TOR.

HAATTORNEM Nov. 27, 1951 E, c. WAHLBERG 2,576,816

AUTOMOBILE DOOR AND WINDOW Filed June 22, 1946 3 Shee'LS-Shee't 2 IN VEN TOR.

/MA TToRNEx 3 Sheets-Sheet 3 E. C. WAHLBERG AUTOMOBILE DOOR AND WINDOW Nov. 27, 1951 Filed June 22, 1946 Patented Nov. 27, 1951 AUTOMOBILE DOOR AND WINDOW Eric C. Wahlberg, Stamford, Conn., assignor to Electrolux Corporation, Old Greenwich, Conn., a corporation of Delaware Application June 22, 1946, Serial No. 678,558

Claims.

My invention relates to electric actuating means for operating windows and locks, and is more particularly adapted for the operation of windows and door locks on vehicles, such as automobiles, although it is by no means restricted thereto.

One of the objects of my invention is to provide electrically operated means for raising and lowering the windows of an automobile, which means may be controlled by either the driver or a passenger sitting adjacent to the window.

Another object of my invention is to provide means controlled by a single switch, or any one of several switches, for simultaneously closing all of the windows which may be open. This is of particular advantage when leaving the car, as it does away with the necessity of manipulating a separate switch for each window.

Another object of my invention is to provide a system of electrically operated door latches whereby each door may be unlatched by a push button switch or the like operable from both inside and outside the door, the system including one or more key operated switches located on the exterior of the car body whereby the system may be rendered inoperative to unlatch any of the doors thus effecting the locking of the car. In addition, a switch may be provided within the car whereby an occupant thereof may lock all of the doors from the inside.

A still further object of my inventiomis to so interconnect the window actuator circuits with the door latching circuits that when the latter is rendered inoperative by the actuation of the aforementioned key control switch, the interior switches for raising and lowering the windows will also be inoperative, but preferably the exterior switch for simultaneously raising all of the windows will remain operative. Thus. if the car is locked with the windows left slightly open, which is frequently desirable in hot weather, an unauthorized person cannot open a window further by inserting a long stick or the like through a partially opened window in order to manipulate one of the interior switches.

An additional object of my invention is to provide safeguards whereby the system and its component parts cannot be damaged by improper operation, whether intentional or accidental.

Further objects of my invention will be ap-y Fig. 1 is a wiring diagram showing a'preferred embodiment of my invention;

Fig. 2 is a cross-sectional view of an automobile door showing an electric switch operable from A either inside or outside the car;

Fig. 3 is a view, partially in section, of an automobile dolor showing the switch and a solenoid operated latch;

Fig. 4 is a cross-sectional view taken through the solenoid latch and'also showing the keeper; and

Fig. 5 is a view, partially broken away. of an automobile door including an electric motor and drive for raising and lowering the door window together with suitable limit switches for controlling the motor.

Referring more particularly to Fig. 1, reference character l0 designates any suitable source of current, such as the usual car storage battery. One side of the battery is grounded at l2, while a conductor I4 connects the other side with the blade of a two position switch I6. The poles I8 and 20 of the switch I6 are connected to the poles 22 and 24 of a similar two position switch 26 by the conductors 28 and 30, respectively. The construction of each of these switches is such that the switch blade is always in contact with one of the poles and never remains in a neutral or open position. With the two switches in the position shown in the drawing a circuit is completed from the conductor I4 through the blade and pole i8 of switch I6, conductor 28 and the pole 22 of switch 26 to aconductor 32 connected to the blade of this switch. This circuit will be interrupted if either of the switch blades is thrown to the opposite position and, if this is done, it will be again completed by either returning that blade to its original position or throwing the other blade to its opposite positionl While these switches are shown diagrammatically in Fig. l, in practice they would be key operated and located one on either side of the car body, preferably adjacent to the front doors. Thus, the circuit controlled by these switches may be opened by the use of a key from either side of the exterior of the car, and may be again closed by the use of the key at either the same or the opposite side of the car.

The conductor 32 leads to a single pole switch 34, located within the car and preferably accessible to the driver. The other side of switchl is connected to a conductor 36, to which are connected conductors 38 leading to each of; the doors of the car. Each of these conductors is connected into the door through a suitable 4ilexible lead or plunger connection, as is indicated at 40. Within the door the conductor is connected to a push button type switch 42 which is provided with suitable spring means for biasing it to open position. Such switch is shown dlagrammatically in Fig. 1 and more in detail in Fig. 2. As shown in the latter figure the switch is of the plunger or limit type mounted on a bracket 44. Adjacent to the switch a rod 46 extends through the door and is provided with a handle 48 on the inside and a similar handle 50 on the outside. A spring 52 serves to bias the rod 46 to the left, as viewed in Fig. 2. The rod carries an arm or disc 54 which is arranged to strike and depress the plunger 56 on the switch 42 when the rod is moved to the right.

The other terminal of switch 42 is connected y by means of a conductor 58 to the solenoid 60 of a magnetically operated latch in which the bolt 62 of the latch constitutes the armature. The solenoid is mounted in the door as shown more particularly in Figs. 3 and 4 and a spring 64 is provided for biasing the bolt 62 to latching position. As is usual, the bolt is provided with a beveled end 66 which cooperates with an inclined surface 68 on the keeper 10, thus causing displacement of the bolt to the left against the force of the spring 64 as the door is closed. When fully closed, the bolt 62 is projected by the spring 64 so as to latch behind the shoulder on the keeper, thus holding the door closed.

Each door is provided with a similar switch and magnetic lock, and the system so far described operates as follows:

With the circuit through theswitches `I6 and 26 closed, and with the switch 34 closed, any of the solenoids 60 may be energized soas toiretractI its bolt by closing the respective s`i`ivitch42'.y lI f a person within the car wishes"tdOPen-rafdoor, f the handle 48 is pushed inwardlyjso'as toldepressljm the plunger 56 of the switch 42',thus'clos ing}the' circuit to the solenoid. 'This inward'p essfure on the handle 48 also serves to jthe'door open as soon as the bolt is withdrawn. In .or' der to open the door from the outside the handle 50 is grasped and pulled outwardly, thus closing the switch in the same manner and causing the solenoid to Withdraw the bolt. The pull on the knob 50 from the outside of the door alsov serves to swing the door outwardly as soon as the bolt is released. When the door has been opened and the force applied to the rod 46 through either of the handles 48 or 50 is re-v switch I6 or 26'with'wasuitable key. This opensV o the closing of any of the switches 42 does not` the circuit to the conductors 38 and consequently complete the circuit to the solenoid vand therefore the latch bolt is not withdrawn.V When theA driver returns to the car he may unlockthe v doors by manipulating either switch |6for 26,;f

regardless of which switch order to lock the doors.

If it is desired to lock ,thev doorsfrom thefin v' side of the car this may be done byopeningthe j 70 Y limit switch |02. 321, i.

switch 34 which is located preferably o n theldash within easy reach of they driver'. n

A conductor 12 is connected to'conductor and to the contact 'I4 of, a `two-point break afnd'f` ve-point make push button designatedfgenf'f erally by reference character 16. The puslrbl'it-A v05 was manipulated ton includes a contact member 'I8 which is spring biased into its upper position so as to normally complete a circuit between contact T4 and a contact 80. Contact is connected by means of a conductor 82 to a normally closed contact 84 on a similar push button switch 86. The other normally closed contact 88 of this switch is connected to a conductor 90 which leads to the switches for controlling the operation of the window actuator motors. Switch 16 ispreferably located on the exterior of the car body closely adjacent to one of the key operated switches I6 or 26, While the switch 86 is located adjacent to the other key operated switch.

Conductor 90 is connected to the blade of a double throw switch 92 which is provided with spring means for biasing the blade to an open position out of contact with the poles 94 and 9S of the switch. A conductor 98 is connected to pole 94 and is taken into one of the front doors of the car through a suitable flexible lead or plunger contact |00. Interposed in the conductor 98 within the door is an upper limit switch |02 which is shown diagrammatically in Fig. 1 and more in detail in Fig. 5. From the limit switch conductor 98 leads to one terminal of a reversible electrical motor |04, another terminal of which is grounded. A conductor |06 leads from contact 96 of switch 92 through a lower limit switch |08 to the third terminal of motor |04. The construction of this motor is such that, when current is supplied to it through conductor 98 and the ground connection, it rotates in one direction, while the supply of current through the conductor |06 and the ground connection causes it to rotate in the opposite direction.

Thisv motor drives a screw jack ||0 through suitable gearing I2, preferably of the worm type. The screw ||0 engages an internally threaded member ||4 which is secured to a bracket or the' like ||6 which carries a window ||8. Also secured to the bracket ||6 is an arm |20 which is arranged to strike the plunger of upper limit switch |02 when the window is in fully closed position. This arm is also arranged to strike the plunger of lower switch |08 when the window is in fully opened position.

Similar wiring is provided for the other window in the other front door and the two switches 92 are preferably located near the center of the dash so as to be within easy reach of both the driver and the passenger in the front seat.

It is desirable to be able to actuate the windows in the rear doors either from the drivers seat Vor from the rear seat. Consequently, conductor 90 is connected to the blade of a switch |20 located within reach'of the driver. This switch is provided with'contacts |22, |24, and |26, the

- blade being spring biased so as to normally complete the circuitthrough contact |24. This contact isconnected by means of a .conductor |28 with theb1ade of aswitch |30 which is located in the tonneau so as tov b e easily accessible to the controlled thereby. -'I'his switch is provided ``A withcontacts |32 and |34 and the blade is spring biased so as tov normally occupy a neutral open 'psitiorni vContact 32 is connected by means of va'coriductor |36 with the conductor 98 leading into the'door and in which is interposed the upper A conductor |38 connects contact |34 with conductor |06 which leads into .the vdoor and in which is interposed the lower y .limit switch |08. The same switches and con- `nections are repeated for the other rear door,

the switch |30 being within easy reach of the pasv senger in the rear seat adjacent to this door, while the switch |20 is accessible to the driver.

In order to regulate the position of the front windows, either the driver or the front seat passenger may manipulate the switches 92. If one of these switches is closed in its upper position, current from the battery is supplied through switches I6 and 26, conductors 32, and 12, push button switch 16, conductor 82, push button switch 86 and conductor 90 to the blade of switch 92. From here the current passes through the pole 94, conductor 98, connection |00 and upper limit switch |02, which is closed except when the window is in its uppermost position, to motor |04. proper direction to raise the window. If the window already is fully raised when the switch 92 is closed, the limit switch |02 is open and obviously the motor will not start, and no damage can result. Otherwise, the motor continues to raise the window as long as switch 92 is held closed, and thus the position of the window may be regulated and if it is desired to fully close the window, the switch 92 is maintained closed until the limit switch |02 is opened to stop the motor. In the'same way, the window may be opened any desired amount by closing the switch 92 in its lower position so as to complete the circuit through the contact 96.

If a rear seat passenger wishes to regulate one of the rear windows, this may be done by manipulating the proper switch |30. If a switch |30 is closed in its upper position the circuit is completed from conductor 90 through contact |24 of switch |20, conductor |28 and contact |32 of switch |30 and conductor |36 to conductor 96, thus causing the motor to operate in the proper direction to raise the window. If the driver wishes to regulate a rear window he may do so by manipulating the proper switch |20. If this switch is thrown out of its neutral position it opens the circuit to the switch I 30, thus rendering the latter temporarily ineffective to control the motor |04. This is highly desirable in order to avoid the possibility of the switch |20 being closed in a. position to drive the motor in one direction at the same time that the switch |30 is closed to drive it in the opposite direction. The construction of the reversible motor |04 is such that, if this were to occur, the motor would be rapidly overheated and if the condtion continued for any length of time it might burn out the motor.

It will be noted that the above described circuit to the window actuator motors |04 passes through the key operated switches I6 and 26. Consequently, if the car doors have been locked by opening the circuit through these switches, the various manual switches 92, |20, and |30 are ineffective to raise or lower the windows. Hence, if the car has been left with the windows slightly open, as is common practice in the summer time in order to provide a slight amount of ventilation for preventing the interior of the car from getting excessively hot, an unauthorized person cannot open a window by manipulating one of the manual switches by means of a long stick or the like introduced through a slightly open window.

Push buttons 16 and 86 are provided so as to enable the operator to close all the windows which may be open at the time he locks the car by manipulating one of the switches |6 or 26. A conductor |40 leads from the conductor |4 to This causes the motor to operate in the one of the five normally open contacts of each of switches 16 and 86. 'Ihe other four normally open contacts of these switches are connected in parallel to conductors |42, |44. |46, and |46, respectively, each of which conductors is connected to one of the conductors 88 leading to the upper limit switch |02 of each door. Thus, if either of the push button switches 16 or 86 is depressed, a circuit is completed from the battery through conductors |4 and |40 to the conductors |4'2, |44, and |46 and |48, thus causing all the motors |04 to run in the proper direction to close all the windows. If the push button is held closed long enough, all of the windows will be completely closed and as each window is closed it will actuate the upper switch |02 so as to stop its motor. If it is desired to leave one or more windows opened slightly, this may be done by releasing the push button switch just before such window or windows are fully closed.

It will be noted that when either of the push button switches 16 or 86 is depressed so as to raise all the windows, the circuit through the conductor 80 to the interior switches 92, |20, and |30 is automatically interrupted and the switches are rendered temporarily ineffective. Thus. if one of the push button switches is operated so as to close the windows, none of the interior switches can be operated so as to tend to open a window.. While there is Iittle likelihood of accidental simultaneous operation of a push button switch and an interior switch, it might occur if the car were left unattended, but unlocked so that children could play with the switches. y

As shown in Fig. 1, inasmuch as conductor |40 is connected directly to the battery line vI4, push button switches 16 and 86 are operable to close the windows, regardless of whether the circuit through switches I6 and 26 is closed or open. This is usually desirable as the operator is thus enabled to close all the windows either before or after he has locked the doors, and unauthorized manipulation of a :push button`can only result in further closing any window which is not already fully closed. However, if it is desired to render the push button switches inoperative when the doors are locked, this may be accomplished readily by merely transferring the connection of conductor |40 from conductor |4 to conductor 32.

While I have shown and described a preferred embodiment of my invention, it will be understood that this has been done for illustration only and that the scope of my invention is not to be limited thereby, but is to be determined by the appended claims.

What I claim is:

l. In a system for the electrical operation of'a plurality of vehicle doors and windows, an electrically releasable latch for each door, electrically operated means for opening and closing each window, an individual switch in the circuit of each of said latches, and in the circuit of each of said electrically operated means, a source of electric current, a key operated master switch ac cessible from the exterior of said vehicle and connected between said source of current and all of latching position, a solenoid for retracting each latch member, a reversible motor for opening and closing each window, individual switching means in the circuit of each solenoid and accessible for operation on both sides of the respective doors, an individual two position switch in the circuit of each of said motors and located within said vehicle, a key operated' master switch located at the exterior of said vehicle and connected between said source of current and the several switching means and the several two position switches, and a manually operable switch located within said vehicle and connected between only said key operated switch and said several switching means.

3. In a system for the electrical operation of a plurality of vehicle doors and windows, an electrically releasable latch for each door, electrically operated means for opening and closing each window, an individual switch in the circuit of each of said latches, and in the circuit of each of said electrically operated means. a source of electric current, a. key operated master switch connected between said source of current and the several individual switches for rendering the latter inoperative to actuate the respective latches and electrically operated means, and a manually operable master switch for establishing a circuit independently of said key operated switch and of said individual switches between said source of current and each of said electrically operated means for actuating the latter simultaneously to close all of said windows.

4. In a system for the electrical operation of a plurality of vehicle doors and windows, an electrically releasable latch for each door, an individual switch in the circuit of each of said latches, a reversible motor for opening and closing each window, a source of electric current, an individual three position switch in the circuit between said source and each motor, a key operated master switch in series between said source and each of said individual switches for rendering the latter inoperative to actuate the respective latches and motors, and a manually operable master switch for establishing a circuit, independent oi said key operated switch and or said individual switches, between said source and each of said motors for operating the latter simultaneously to close all of said windows.

5. In a system for the prevention of unauthorized opening of the doors and windows of a vehicle, an electrically releasable latch for each door, electrically operated means for opening and closing each window, an individual switch in the circuit of each of said latches operable from the inside and the outside of the vehicle, an individual switch in the circuit of each of said electrically operated means operable from the interior of the vehicle, a source of electric current, and a key operated master switch actuatable from the exterior of said vehicle and forming a connection between said source of current and the several individual switches effective upon operation of the key to disable the window and latch circuits to thereby prevent operation of the doors and windows by operation of their individual switches.

ERIC C. WAHLBERG.

REFERENCES CITED The following references are of record in the le of this patent:

UNITED STATES PATENTS Number Name Date 1,871,744 Schauer Aug. 16, 1932 2,085,106 Limanowski June 29, 1937 2,105,830 Aiken Jan. 18, 1938 2,124,037 Lavigne July 19, 1938 2,222,553 Raymond Nov. 19, 1940 2,260,067 Walker et al Oct. 21, 1941 2,311,972 Simpson Feb. 23, 1943 2,365,454 Chandler et al Dec. 19, 1944 2,371,370 Ward Mar. 13, 1945 2,418,031 Horton `Mar. 25, 1947 2,459,029 Ingres et al Jan. l1, 1949 2,466,481 Royal Apr. 5, 1949 2,470,581 Seaman May 17, 1949 

